Flags fly at homes along Audrey

Warren man helps purchase flags for neighbors

WARREN — Dale and Tammy Cloyd have lived in their parents’ home on Audrey Avenue since 1959. They’re one of five original families left on the block, and although much has changed with the times over the years, Dale’s been working to keep the spirit of patriotism alive in the neighborhood.

You can see that in the American flags waving daily on at least 26 homes along Audrey between Marcy Street and Stephens Road.

Some of the homes had flags flying already. About 10 were provided by Dale, using his own money, at about $14 a pop.

“I started with the first four houses here, right on the corner,” Dale said, pointing toward the intersection of Audrey and Marcy. “And then I thought, other people should have flags.”

Tammy estimates that her brother’s call has been answered with a participation rate of about 75 percent. The effort is now in its third year.

“It’s just a sense of community and country, to feel like a united community,” Tammy said.

And while not everyone has agreed to fly the flags — and, in at least two instances, flags have been damaged or destroyed on the block — the Cloyds are undeterred.

“Don’t be afraid to fly the flag and be proud of your country and where you live,” Dale said. “I think Warren is a great community to live in.”

Their dad, Roy Albert Cloyd Jr., served with the “Blue Devils” of the U.S. Army’s 80th Division during World War II. Roy had the family home built with money he earned through the GI Bill. He spoke little of his war service when he later worked for Uniroyal. Roy died in 1979 at the age of 59.